Reasons Why Students Drink

Most parents underestimate their college students’ drinking activity. You have several behavioral indicators to look for if you are concerned that a serious drinking problem has developed. Many of these indicators are quite common and a natural part of transitioning to the adult world. What distinguishes a drinking problem is that these signs occur suddenly, in combination with each other, and are extreme in character.

Here are some signs of a problem: • Drop in grades • Switching friends • Defiance of rules and regulations • Mood changes • Trouble in school • Lack of motivation • Reduced self-esteem or self-confidence • Quitting or getting fired from a job • Reduced self-discipline • Never available or reluctant to talk with you • Unwilling to talk about activities with friends

• Incidents resulting from a high BAC. Many factors affect your BAC when you drink. These include: your size, gender and physical condition; what you have had to eat; how much sleep you have had; what medications you are taking; and, most importantly, the actual alcohol content of your chosen drink. A BAC of .08 or higher is past the legal limit for driving in California. If you think your student might have a drinking problem, here are some suggestions for ways you can help:

• Do not turn your back on the problem . • Be calm when discussing the problem with your student.

• Let your student know you are concerned and willing to help.

• Do not make excuses or cover up for your student.

• Do not take over your student’s responsibilities, but provide him or her with the means to take responsibility for himself or herself.

For more information about alcohol and drug abuse prevention, visit our website at https://studentwellbeing.ucsd.edu/.